Small acts of kindness resonate in all our lives. In fact, the gift of kindness is connected to happiness and fulfillment —spiritually and emotionally. But it’s not just receiving kindness that can brighten our day; giving kindness can have an even greater effect on your whole health.
Gratitude and Compassion
Through kindness, even the simplest of acts, we develop gratitude and compassion. When we are kind to others in need, we gain a deeper understanding of our own good fortune; our awareness deepens and heightens our own understanding of self. Once more, continuous acts of kindness can enhance your compassion towards others. This resonates with us as our mission is Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ.
The bible reminds us in Hebrews 13:36 that God is pleased when we do good things for others. “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Small acts of kindness encourage interconnectedness and remind us all that we aren’t very different from one another.
Pay It Forward
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to become so engrossed in our routines that acts of kindness take second thought. But, we must remember that the power of a simple act of kindness is within us and acting on them can make a tremendous impact on our communities, and even your own feeling of wholeness.
You may not know where to begin or how your kindness can be of help, but there are many ways you can pay it forward in your community or practically anywhere. And you might be surprised to learn that even one simple act of kindness can change someone — or many people’s — day and fill your heart with gratitude and compassion at the same time.
Here are a few ideas to pay it forward:
- Smile or say “hello” to a stranger.
- Offer your seat to someone on a crowded bus or train.
- Volunteer at a homeless or pet shelter.
- Pick up a piece of plastic that has made its way to the beach.
- Donate clothes, toys and gadgets to a local organization in need.
- Hold the door open for someone.
- Buy your neighbor in line their coffee.
- Leave an encouraging note for someone. It can be as simple as, “I appreciate you!”
- Invite a new community member to your next gathering.
- Include someone new in your daily prayer.
- Ask someone you know how they are doing, and then listen.
When upsetting events seem to dominate the day’s news or you’re simply feeling down, remember that a dose of kindness may be just what the doctor ordered. Look for opportunities to pay it forward, and you will experience the intrinsic “feel good” rewards almost immediately. Even better, one small act of kindness can release an incredible chain of positive events. After all, kindness is the good kind of contagious. All it takes is one small act gifted upon us, which becomes a blessing that we want to pass on and spread to others. As a result, smiles widen, days brighten and people begin to feel more whole.
Learn more about our philosophy of whole health in body, mind and spirit.
